The problem of iron deficiency in mango trees and experiments to cure it in Israel

Abstract

Abstract Iron deficiency is very common in mango trees in Israel. This phenomenon is especially widespread in orchards planted on calcareous soils. The very pronounced symptoms of iron deficiency found in mango are unique and differ from typical lime induced iron‐ deficiency symptoms found in other fruit trees. At an early stage the entire young leaf blade has a yellowish green color; later on, the new leaves cease to grow and a gradual die‐back of the branches starts. If appropriate treatment is not given, the tree eventually dies. Experiments were carried out on affected mango trees with various iron compounds which were applied either to the soil or by foliar spray. With soil application, best results were obtained with iron Sequestrene‐138, either applied directly to the soil or via the irrigation system. With foliar application, very good results were obtained by spraying 0.255 FeSO4 solution or 0.2% Fe(NO3)2 solution, both with the addition of the L‐77 wetting agent at 0.1%. At present, the most com...